Heat in a motorhome - ways of heating a motorhome

The end of the caravanning season does not necessarily mean the end of your motorhome trip. On the contrary, the drop in temperature outside the window warms up enthusiasts of off-holiday trips. Then the crowds of tourists typical of summer are no longer a problem. However, there is a question of proper preparation for the trip in less favorable conditions. It is crucial to ensure thermal comfort for all travelers. How to effectively, efficiently and safely heat a motorhome?

Auxiliary heating

Most modern motorhomes are equipped with a heating system. However, if you are buying a used motorhome, you may have to choose the right heating system yourself. One of the most popular solutions is parking heater, the popular Webasto, which owes its name to one of the manufacturers. The parking heater consists of a heater that works independently of the engine. It draws fuel directly from the vehicle's tank. The main advantages of the parking heater are, above all, simple installation and low fuel consumption.

Gas heating

RV owners who plan to travel during the cold months of the year often choose to heat their motorhome with gas. These vehicles are usually equipped with gas cylinders and installations responsible for supplying fuel to a refrigerator or stove. This fact can also be successfully used to heat the interior of the vehicle. One option is to buy a gas stove that discharges the products of gas combustion outside the motorhome. We asked Piotr Słomiński, specialist for ALDE heating systems, to describe the principle of operation and capabilities of these systems:

“ On a motorhome vacation in subzero temperatures, one of the best travel companions is the gas stove. Popular air heaters, which quickly heat the interior of the vehicle, work very well, however, they dry the air, and their principle of operation can be burdensome for allergy sufferers. Warm air from the stove is blown through air ducts just above the floor, which means that all dust particles or pollen are lifted inside the vehicle. If you want to avoid these problems and additionally benefit from the quiet operation of high-efficiency devices, it is worth considering heating by the Swedish company ALDE. The systems can operate in three power modes: gas, 230V and through a heat exchanger from the engine. The devices offer power up to 8.5kW when powered from gas, and the heaters powered by alternating current up to 3kW. By burning the gas or by heating the heaters, glycol is heated, which circulates in a closed system throughout the vehicle and gives off heat through convectors placed in it. While driving, on the other hand, in order not to use up the gas supply, pleasant warmth is provided by the engine's heat exchanger - the engine cooling liquid heats the glycol, which continues to circulate in the living area. The boiler, convectors and all connections of the system are designed to ensure optimal performance even in the toughest Scandinavian conditions - the devices are tested in special chambers at temperatures as low as -31 degrees Celsius! "

Electric heating

Electric heating will also work for off-season motorhomes. The easiest way to heat a vehicle in this way is to buy a farelka. This lightweight and cheap device generates heat quickly. However, it is worth remembering that its operation, especially on very cold days, will be expensive.

Additional accessories

In addition to professional heating solutions, a motorhome for winter arrival should also be equipped with additional accessories. Thermal mats attached to the windshield of the vehicle will be especially useful. They effectively insulate the motorhome against low temperatures.